Authors: Salome Ibietela Douglas, Janet Olufunmilayo Williams, Golden Chukwuma Onyedibia.
Aim: Bacterial biofilm formation is a menacing attribute that has been linked to a rise in antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to isolate biofilm-producing bacteria from stool samples and their antibiogram.
Study Design: The study involved laboratory research, statistical analysis and interpretation of the data.
Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out in three (3) hospital facilities. They are University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Meridian Hospital D/line branch (MRD1), and Meridian Hospital Ikoku branch (MDR2). Specimens were gathered within three (3) months, and analyses were performed.
Methodology: 45 stool specimens were collected from the three (3) hospitals. The specimens were correctly labelled with the sampling date and time. Standard microbiological procedures were performed on the collected specimens, including plate counts, identification, biofilm screening, sensitivity testing, extended spectrum beta lactamase phenotypic screening, and molecular characterization of the isolates.
Results: The total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 6.2 to 8.2 x107 cfu/g, total coliform counts ranged from 3.2 to 4.1 x106 cfu/g and faecal coliform counts ranged from 1.3 to 1.4 x105 cfu/g. There was no significant difference at (p≤0.05) in the total heterotrophic bacterial counts, total and faecal coliform counts between the hospitals sampled. A total of Thirty-two (32) bacterial isolates were identified in stool specimens, with 20 (62.5%) of them being biofilm producers. Staphylococcus 30%, 35% Escherichia coli, 25% Enterococcus and 10% Bacillus species were detected among biofilm bacteria. Biofilm isolates showed a variety of susceptibility patterns and antibiotic resistance was found in biofilm bacteria. Most bacterial intestinal tract infections from patients and hospitals investigated can be treated with ofloxacin, Gentamycin, Imipenem, and Nitrofurantoin. TET A and CTX-M genes, were reported in Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli biofilm bacteria as possible genes that could confer antibiotic resistance.The existence of the icaD and papC genes in Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli has been discovered to be probable determinants that impart biofilm forming abilities, according to genomic studies.
Conclusion: The existence of biofilm-producing bacteria in patients’ stools, as well as their antibiotic resistance, was observed in this study. Ceftazidime (third generation cephalosporin) resistance was found in both biofilm and non-biofilm bacteria. This research reveals that ofloxacin, Gentamycin, Imipenem, and Nitrofurantoin are the drugs of choice for bacterial intestinal tract infections caused by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Bacillus species. As a result, proper infection control techniques and therapeutic recommendations for proven infections should be swiftly implemented.
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